[QUOTE]Originally posted by TPM:
Never once have I heard son tell anyone he is a professional athlete and he prefers we don't tell anyone either. He knows if he does it brings certain special treatment and he doesn't want or need that. He defines himself as who he is, not by what he does.
QUOTE]
So, does he use Dirk's line about being a janitor, too? (It's not the special treatment, it's the stories about blowing out your arm, the stupid coach, or the girl
)
Neural connections in the frontal lobes don't fully mature until the early 20's. So young people do have a problem with "if I do this what will happen". That's not an excuse, it's an explanation; the majority of kids don't get themselves into life-changing situations primarily because the adults in their lives have hammered home what will happen even if their brain doesn't yet instinctively recognize it
. However, parents understanding brain development can be, if not helpful, a solace
Differences in the adolescent brain